Why should we oppose this? What are the arguments for and against?
Heres the response from CCA.
WDFW is Poised to Undermine Legislative Direction on Gillnet Reforms
WDFW is set to undermine gillnet reforms and the legislatively approved $14.4M buyback, by approving the first spring Chinook gillnet fishery since 2016.
At 2PM tomorrow (Wednesday, May 18), the Columbia River Compact will meet to discuss the possibility of approving a small mesh gillnet fishery for spring Chinook – the first since 2016.
Please take just a moment to send a pre-drafted email to WDFW Director Kelly Susewind letting him know you oppose this irresponsible decision. Then forward this email to all your friends and ask them to take action as well.
Also, check back at noon tomorrow for the call-in details for the Compact meeting, so you can provide public comment by voicing your strong opposition to the decision to return non-tribal gillnets to the mainstem Columbia River for spring Chinook. The details for the 2PM compact call will be posted on CCA Oregon’s Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/CCAOregonCCA Washington will continue working with the Legislature and Governor Inslee to hold WDFW accountable for their failing management decisions, but they must also hear from you!
Compose Your Message
Kelly Susewind (+)
Subject
I oppose mainstem non-tribal spring chinook small mesh gillnet fishery
Message Body
Please add your own story about this issue to personalize your message
I strongly oppose the proposal to return non-tribal small mesh gillnets to the mainstem Columbia River for a spring Chinook fishery - the first since 2016. This decision would negatively impact conservation and recreational fisheries.
Additionally, WDFW would be ignoring the direction of the Legislature and Governor Inslee with their $14.4 million voluntary buyback of non-tribal Columbia River gillnet licenses. A primary goal of this legislations is to transition away from gillnets in mainstem commercial fisheries.
WDFW is turning back the clock and reversing five years of progress to improve the management of Columbia River fisheries. I urge you to reject this proposal and instead focus WDFW's efforts on an effective implementation of the bipartisan voluntary gillnet buyback to properly address this highly contentious fishing gear.
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